Tooth loss is an oral health concern that should be taken seriously. Dr. Kevin Welinsky provides advanced solutions for his patients with missing teeth. Dental implants offer a highly effective and permanent solution for patients who have gaps in their smile. Sweet Tooth Dentistry can provide you with a custom-made implant-supported bridge in Towson, MD, for multiple missing teeth. Unlike a traditional dental bridge, this type of dental restoration is self-sustaining and offers better stability and strength.
What is an Implant-Supported Bridge?
An implant supported bridge is a dental prosthesis that can replace several consecutive missing teeth on an arch. Implant-supported bridges are held in place by dental implants instead of resting on natural teeth like a traditional bridge. Dental implants are small metal posts made of titanium, that are surgically placed into the jawbone. These implants act like the roots of natural teeth.
Over time, the implants fuse with the bone in your jaw. This process is called osseointegration, and it helps create a very strong and stable foundation for your new teeth. Once the implants have fully healed and are secure, our dentist will attach the dental bridge to the implants. The bridge holds the artificial teeth (called pontics) that fill in the gap left by your missing teeth.
How Many Dental Implants are Needed to Support a Dental Bridge?
An implant-supported bridge will require at least two dental implants. However, the exact number of implants is determined the patient’s unique needs. Factors such as the location of the missing teeth and how many teeth are missing will help determine the number of teeth implants required. For example, patients with larger gaps may require three or more implant fixtures to anchor the dental bridge for optimal stability and support.
How is an Implant-Supported Bridge Better than a Traditional Dental Bridge?
An implant-supported bridge has more benefits than a traditional dental bridge. The advantages include:
It Protects Your Natural Teeth
A traditional dental bridge needs support from the healthy teeth next to the gap. To do this, the dentist has to shave down those nearby teeth so they can hold the bridge in place. This means removing some of their natural structure, which can weaken them.
With an implant-supported bridge, you don’t need to touch your healthy teeth at all. Instead, the bridge is held up by dental implants placed in the jawbone, keeping your natural teeth safe and untouched.
It Lasts Longer
Traditional bridges usually last around 10 years before they need to be replaced. In contrast, implant-supported bridges can last much longer if you take good care of them with regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups. That means fewer replacements and fewer visits to the dentist in the long run.
It Feels More Stable
Because the bridge is attached to dental implants, it’s very secure. It won’t slip or move around while you talk or chew. This gives you more confidence in your smile and makes eating more comfortable. You can find it easier to eat hard or crunchy foods with an implant bridge.
It Helps Keep Your Jawbone Healthy
When you lose a tooth, the jawbone in that area can start to shrink over time because it’s no longer being used. Dental implants act like natural tooth roots. Once the implant posts heal, they stimulate the jawbone and keep it strong.
A traditional bridge rests on top of the gums and doesn’t provide this stimulation, which means your jawbone can still shrink. Over time, this can change the shape of your face and cause other dental problems.
Are Implant-Supported Bridges for Everyone?
To get dental implants, you need to be in good overall health and have a healthy mouth. Your gums should be free of disease, and you need to have enough bone in your jaw to support the implants. Dr. Welinsky might recommend a bone graft if your jawbone isn’t strong or thick enough. A bone graft is a special procedure that helps rebuild the bone so it can hold the implants securely.
You should also be free from serious medical conditions that might make it hard for your body to heal after surgery. Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune diseases could make it harder for implants to heal properly.
Good Oral Hygiene Is Very Important
If you want an implant-supported bridge, you also need to take great care of your teeth and gums. This means you should continue to brush your teeth twice a day and floss every day. We also recommend that you continue to visit our dentist office for regular check-ups and cleanings.
Taking care of your mouth helps the implants stay healthy and last a long time. If you don’t keep up with your oral hygiene, the gums around the implants can get infected, and the implants might fail.
Talk to Our Dentist
If you’re thinking about getting an implant-supported bridge, Dr. Welinsky will do an exam and may take X-rays to check your jawbone and overall oral health. Together, you can decide if this treatment is right for you and make a plan to help your smile stay strong and healthy.
How Do I Care for Implant Bridges?
Caring for your implant-supported bridge is important if you want it to last a long time and keep your mouth healthy. Here are some easy steps to follow:
Brush and Floss Daily
Use a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth and your bridge every morning and night. Make sure to gently brush around the implants to remove food and plaque. Even though the bridge is not a real tooth, food and bacteria can still get trapped underneath. Use special floss or tools like a floss threader or water flosser to clean around the bridge and under it.
Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods
You want to be careful with your new teeth right after treatment. Chewing ice, hard candy, or sticky foods can damage the bridge or loosen the implants. Try to eat softer foods and chew carefully. You can begin to eat harder foods once you’re used to your bridge.
Don’t Smoke
Smoking can slow down healing and increase the risk of implant failure. If you smoke, talk to your dentist about ways to quit.
Schedule a Consultation
Dr. Welinsky will examine your entire mouth to determine if dental implants are the best solution for your missing teeth. He can provide you with an implant supported bridge in Towson, MD if you have several missing teeth in a row and qualify for teeth implants.
To book your consultation, call our office at 410-449-7656. You can also request an appointment online by filling out the form on this page.
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